RESEARCH SOFTWARE ARCHITECT-ENT

University of Alabama at Birmingham; University (FL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is seeking a Research Software Architect to develop advanced computing solutions for AI and ML in research. The successful candidate will partner with university researchers to design and implement secure, high-performance computing systems.

This role requires leadership in software architecture, effective communication, and a strong background in research computing. A Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and extensive experience are essential. Join an innovative team at UAB!

Qualifications

• 8 years of experience in high-performance computing, research security, or compliance.
• Ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop architecture for AI/ML research workflows.
• Collaborate with faculty for secure computing.
• Lead software development for research computing environments.

Skills

High-performance computing

Research security

Linux-based environments

Machine Learning/AI

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Systems

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Job Title: RESEARCH SOFTWARE ARCHITECT-ENT (T236649)

Description

For UAB IT use only: Independently employs a broad knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures in support of Research Computing systems. Plans, designs, develops, and supports systems and projects to be used by university researchers. Carries out complex assignments requiring the development of new or improved techniques, procedures, and software. Provides development leadership on implementations and may lead junior team members in project completion. Serves as a direct liaison with users, technical support, training and operations personnel, and leads technical and administrative support to the research computing department. Works with heightened security following Information Technology Security Policies and participates in annual security training such as HIPAA and FERPA.

This position will work within Research Computing to architect advanced computing, GPU-enabled environments and serve as a specialized partner to researchers to develop AI/ML research workflows.

• Collaborate with faculty to translate research needs into secure, high-performance computing environments.
• Design custom research architectures that support GPU workloads, large-scale computing, and advanced AI model experimentation.
• Support development, training, and evaluation of research AI systems.
• Ensure alignment with institutional governance frameworks, data protection requirements, and Responsible AI practices.
• Serve as the bridge between research goals and Research Computing capabilities.
• Coordinate cloud-based integration with other IT units.
• Lead as a software solution architect for research computing environments.
• Lead design, development, testing, and deployment of applications to support access to campus HPC, on-prem cloud, container, and storage platforms, ensuring best practices and appropriate documentation.
• Provide application support to researchers, defining requirements, developing scope and project management plans, communicating plans, and delivering milestones.
• Partner with other software engineering professionals across the university and collaborating institutions to understand existing tools, integrate them into new environments, and initiate open collaboration with researchers.
• Transfer knowledge, expertise, and methodologies by providing documentation, technical assistance, and mentorship to researchers and technical staff; communicate software engineering concepts to domain experts with varying degrees of expertise.
• Continue independent research, mentor junior team members through discussions and code review, and maintain knowledge of current and future software development tools, programming languages, and computing hardware.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Information Systems or a related field and eight (8) years of related experience required. Work experience may NOT substitute for the education requirement. Master’s degree preferred.

• Advanced knowledge and/or experience in high-performance computing environments (on-prem and cloud), research computing, research security, or research compliance.
• Advanced knowledge of working in and/or securing Linux-based environments.
• Experience applying ML/AI approaches to research domains.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work across multidisciplinary teams to achieve results.

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of non‑discrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.

Primary Location: University

Job Category: Information Technology

Organization: 190800000 Research Computing

Employee Status: Regular

Shift: Day/1st Shift

Work Arrangement: Onsite